Keep it simple and keep it delicious. ($): For some quick pre-adventure fuel, stop be here for small bites and a caffeine kick. Frequently referred to as the "Crossroads of the West," its location is also ideal for longer roadtrips northward to Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks. The more scenic route is via Highway 89 and Highway 24, which takes you through Mount Pleasant, Fairview, and Capitol Reef National Park before reaching Moab. If you dont have the proper vehicle to handle these types of trails, you can rent a jeep through Moab Adventure Center on the main street in Moab. For $10, I loaded up on palak panir, Matar paneer, curried cauliflower, and salad. As your road trip progresses further south through Utah, you will come upon a number of towns, including Provo, Spanish Fork, Heber, Price, Green River, and Thompson Springs. While I could spot the bright-white building, I thought the far-away views weren't worth the time it took me to get there. My sweetheart and I are going to SLC 3/14-3/21. Sunset Grill is a well-known Moab establishment. Jerry automatically shops for your insurance before every renewal. However, you definitely want to stop and explore Utah's gorgeous scenery. From Bryce Canyon, head northeast to Moab. 33 minutes Manti. I wouldn't think of castles and hospitals going together, but in Provo, there's a castle-like amphitheater located on Utah State Hospital's property. is a lovely four-mile tour of the parks backcountry. Where is the OBD port on a 2019 Honda CR-V? Breakdowns happen to everyone, its just important that you and your car are prepared. Hood, Malheur, and Ponderosa State Park. The landscape along the way makes you want to grab your water bottle a must-have in the hot, desert environment and hike through the red rock formations. Both my husband and I will be driving. As you pull into the downtown area of Salt Lake City, the pretty views of the Wasatch Mountains explain why the Mormon leaders decided to call it home. If you do plan on going on many of the off-road trails without a travel guide, make sure you purchase the off-road guidebook called Moab, Ut Backroads & 4 Wheel Drive Trails. The trip can also be done in reverse, starting in Vegas and finishing in SLC. However, most visitors flock to the beautiful and unique red rock landscapes of Southern Utah. campgrounds and pre-established campsites are free throughout the area. Grand Circle Tour Itinerary | Utah.com Easily one of Utah's best and most well-known areas, Moab is the perfect spot for the weekend warrior. Be sure to check the schedule in advance and book your tickets early. The Best Road Trip from Salt Lake City To Moab Drive through the Utah desert, visiting four national parks before arriving in Moab. After her husband died, she believed she was receiving messages directly from god, instructing her to build a colony to survive the imminent end of the world. Insider paid for the soda, per our reporting standards. Answer 1 of 8: In May 016 we are renting a car to drive from Santa Monica to Grand Canyon South rim then on to Bryce and Zion for two nights, then to Salt Lake City. Take in the sunset over Waterpocket Fold Cliffs on the 3.6-mile Chimney Rock Loop trail, before turning in for the night. After years of renting cars and sharing my findings with friends, I decided to start a blog so that I could help others save money and find the best possible car rental deals. The rooms are spacious and comfy. They offer low rates on all of our vehicles, so you can hit the open road without breaking the bank. If youre visiting on a busy weekend, holiday or any day between mid-March through fall, youll also need to make a shuttle reservation online to access many parts of the park (shuttle tickets are not available at the park). Camping in Arches and Canyonlands can be competitive, but there are plenty of campgrounds along the Colorado River on UT-128, as well as along Kane Creek Road. We want to be leisurely, so can you suggest an overnight stop between Santa Monica and the GC. Keep in mind that if you are flying into Salt Lake, you will be able to take a shuttle directly to the rental car desk from the airport terminal. Follow US-89 for 43 miles, hang a right onto UT-12 (13 miles), and take another right onto US-63 south, which brings you into the park. Answer 1 of 13: Will be in Denver from a Sunday afternoon in July, fly home the following Saturday. Road Trip Conditions. From Bryce Canyon, its about two hours to Capitol Reef National Park, the site of a geologic wrinkle in the earths crust. From Zion, head back to UT-9 (24 miles, then take a left on US-89 north. Flying Into Salt Lake City Once you land in Salt Lake City, plan to pick up your car or RV rental and head south toward Moab, Utah. While it may just be the start of the road trip, Salt Lake City is a fascinating metropolis in its own right. drive for about 1 hour. Day 2: Arches National Park This route is approximately 240 miles long and takes about 3 hours and 48 minutes. 37 minutes Ogden. It earned its comparison to Switzerland thanks to the nearby Wasatch mountain range, which Swiss settlers in the 1850s compared to the Alps, according to The Herber Valley Utah. I thought the views at Canyonlands alone were worthy of a stop in Utah. A drive on Main Street solidifies Moab's reputation as a major hub for outdoor recreation. Finally, turn right on UT-261 south (four miles) and keep an eye out for the Kane Gulch Ranger Station, where youll start your journey. The Aggies are proud of their university and take great care in maintaining the museum for their guests to enjoy. Both offer killer views of the towering rock formations. I turned around and tried another route to get closer to the Dream Mine. If you stick to the interstate, this can easily be done within 5 hours without making any stops. 11 Stops Along A Scenic Road Trip From Moab To Salt Lake City Get up early to start your National Park tour. Follow 191 for just over 80 miles into Moab. Day three of your weekend retreat is all about seeing some of Moabs more remote destinations. You can take a full days tour or something shorter that only takes a few hours. Its a must-see for the wonderfulif rather brasharchitecture alone. Plus, it offers your family a consistent place to live while making your way down the road. Fox Rent-A-Car is the perfect solution for budget-minded travelers. Offering fine Italian cuisine in an old brownstone, you will be charmed by the hip interior. Spend the day in the city, sampling food and enjoying local culture before you hit the road. Gas prices in Utah are relatively low compared to other states, and you can expect to pay around $35 for a full tank of gas. Enthusiastic adventurers will want to make a reservation at Devils Garden Campground to enjoy the immersive national park experience. Located on a tree-lined street downtown, the hotel exterior blends beautifully into the neighborhood in a charming and unassuming way. I opted to add an extra hour of driving to my road trip across Utah just so I could spend the night in Midway, which has been dubbed Utah's little Switzerland, according to Only In Your State. It was some of the best food I had during my trip. According to Atlas Obscura, this set of petroglyphs is one of the world's largest collections and looks much more vividthan the ones I saw in Thompson Springs, based on pictures I've viewed online. Clear Sky. An Epic 5-Day Southwest Road Trip & National Park Itinerary Depending on when you arrive you may have enough time for a full afternoon in Arches National Park (Read: "The Best Time to Visit Moab"). But we love the national parks. While others are audio based and allow you to explore the beauty of these parks at your own pace. Some of Utahs prettiest vistas are on display as you traverse mountains and valleys on this road trip from Salt Lake City to Moab, Utah. No matter where you are, a breakdown could happen. Next time I'm near Moab, I'd skip the Sego Canyon Rock Art and stop at Newspaper Rock instead, which is about 50 minutes south of Moab. OARS is a proud member of Adventure Collection, a partnership of the world's premiere adventure travel companies. Enjoy the scenery on the four-hour drive before exploring the fringes of. We originally wanted to visit the Mighty 5. Thanksgiving Point is a community attraction featuring kid-friendly museums and an expansive, stunning garden. I tried it before heading into Arches National Park, and easily saw why the breakfast eatery attracts both locals and tourists alike. This scenic drive really is a sight to behold. To that end, this is not your typical weekend road trip itinerary. Around this time, you will see signs for US-6 E toward Price. Each of these places offers museums and scenic points if you have time to explore. This guide will help you get from Salt Lake City to Moab with some tips on great activities as well. Its a great place to watch the sunset. , a classic desert ghost town along the way. This is a good option if you want to save some money, but you will very possibly still need or want a car once you get into Moab. If you have ever wanted to move to or visit either Salt Lake City or Denver to help contribute to their traffic problems, this video from Mr. If youre traveling with young children or those who might be unable to explore the parks on foot, never fear! This includes my husband, our daughter (10 by the time we'll start our Adventure) and me. Park Fees: We recommend that you buy the $80 National Parks Pass that will allow you into all National Parks and Monuments. The point is accessible by a precariously narrow road dont look down. If youre traveling with to Moab with kids, you more than likely have someone in the group crazy about dinosaurs. Whether youre looking to make the journey in a single day or take your time and explore the many stops along the way, there are plenty of options to suit your preferences and budget. They also have a picnic table or two, so it is a good location to bring lunch if you dont want to purchase food there. : For a proper western experience, stay at the. I rented a Jeep for five days with a plan to explore Moab and its surrounding desert towns,before heading up to Midway, andending in Salt Lake City. Road Trip Conditions. Stops and things to do on Salt Lake City to Moab drive or road trip The town is located just an hour southeast of Salt Lake City. Also remember to bring LOTS of water, especially to Bryce National Park, which has fewer stations than Zion. Be sure to check out the Bean Life Science Museum and the BYU Museum of Paleontology. As the water moved upward, it collected minerals and deposited them on the surface, which formed the volcano-shaped dome. However, when you step into the lobby, you quickly realize you have found something special a little hidden gem of a stay. Lincoln Town Car Signature Insurance Cost. Stretch your legs on the Queens Garden Trail, a 1.8-mile trip to Queen Victoria Hoodoo and back. As I explored the 257,640-acre national park, I parked in empty lots, hiked trails without crossing paths with another person, and saw breathtaking views without seeing another soul. In 1947,Atlas Obscura reported thatKoyle said he was forced to sign a statement that admitted his prophecies were false, and eventually, the mine was re-abandoned. You can take a scenic drive through the park or hike one of the many trails. It was a short drive off the highway. Moab and Salt Lake City are about a 4-hour drive apart if you navigate straight through from one to the other. The John Wesley Powell River History Museum and Black Canyon Dragon Viewpoint are both in Green River. Since the church's members are urged not to consume alcohol, tobacco, and hot caffeinated drinks like tea and coffee in the church, according to The Washington Post, some people turned to soda. : Try to get up early to avoid the mid-afternoon heat while youre still out and about. How Old Do You Have to Be to Rent a Uhaul? However, you definitely want to stop and explore Utahs gorgeous scenery. If you have the time, a 4- or 6-day Cataract Canyon rafting trip will give you the ultimate taste of red rock country. While I visited in the spring, I'm eager to return to Midway in the winter, when winter activities are in full swing and the town is blanketed in snow. I love exploring new places and love cars, so renting a car for my travels is most of the time the perfect way to find new adventures. : Want to learn about the natural environment around you? The shops offeredwhatfelt to me like an endless combination of soda, syrups, and flavors. As I explored Iosepa I was amazed by the settler's resilience. Trips from Moab to Salt Lake City If youre looking to explore Salt Lake and the surrounding areas along the way to Moab over an extended period of time, you might want to consider renting an RV. The flight distance from Salt Lake City to Moab, Utah is approximately 196 miles (315.4 km). 11:00 am start in Salt Lake City. Beyond a beautiful temple and delicious food, the property also has an animal park with llamas, cows, and peacocks, and offers yoga classes. One of the most common and quick stops in the Great Salt Lake City is Temple Square. Regardless of where youre driving, you need the, . Or opt for a rowdy 2- or 3-day Westwater Canyon rafting trip, just upstream from Moab. I explored the perimeter of the land, but I couldn't spot much more beyond a few crumbling cabins. Butafter visiting, I believe it absolutely was. Theres a lot of hiking coming up! City: round-trip one-way. This route takes you through the small towns of Mount Pleasant and Fairview, and past the beautiful Sanpete Valley. Interested in a map of this Utah itinerary? There are lots of fun things to do in Salt Lake City, along with lots of great kids activities. WATCH: The Differences Between Salt Lake City & Denver A straightforward road trip from Salt Lake City to Zion National Park will take 310 miles. I arrived in Salt Lake on Thursday, and the choir practice was starting in just under an hour at the Tabernacle on Temple Square. From Salt Lake City, hop on I-15 south for a straight shot to the state's southern reaches. There are also tons of vocational rentals nearby! You could do it in a week, but with all that red rock country has to offer, its worth treating yourself to some extra time. After being pushed out of Salt Lake City, they relocated to the desert where they managed to grow to a population of 228. You can also take a short detour to Goblin Valley State Park. Moab, Utah. Ogden managed to gather about 100 followers, but by 1937, seven people remained after the colony received bad press, Atlas Obscura reported. If youre looking to make some stops along the way, there are plenty of great places to visit on the drive from Salt Lake City to Moab. During my short time in Moab, the Sunset Grill was mentioned multiple times by residents and due to its location, I was told it's supposed to be the best place to view a sunset (besides inside the nearby national parks). The Cheapest Way to Get from Salt Lake City to Moab, Salt Lake City to Moab Drive Rent A Car In Salt Lake City, Salt Lake City to Moab Driving Stops Along The Way, Salt Lake City to Moab Best Driving Route. We want to inspire you to explore new destinations, discover new experiences and savor the journey. Plan to enjoy a day or two on either end Moab and Salt Lake City offer their own special characters and are unique in their offerings. The park boasts hundreds of miles of hiking trails for all levels. The 360-member chorus of men and women had powerful voices, I thought, and the design of the Tabernacle only amplified their sound. Mingling with students on the cusp of exploring their future imparts a sense of youthful exuberance, not to mention a trip down memory lane. I'd love to visit places like Utah's little Switzerland again, but I'd skip Arches National Park. While heavily trafficked, the 10.5 mile Slickrock Trail leads riders deep into a solitary ocean of rolling slickrock terrain. The easy-rated White Rim Overlook is just under 2 miles round trip with a rewarding view. Whether you want to make the drive in a single day or plan to take several stops along the way, this guide will help you plan your journey from start to finish. You can make stops in Boise, Twin Falls, and Salt Lake City to enjoy the sights. 10:00 am leave from Moab. Afterwards, with tired legs and an unshakeable smile its time to head back into town for a bite to eat before gazing upwards into some of the darkest night skies anywhere in the world. This leg is a two-for-one national park special, and while the parks are relatively close together, youll want to be up with the sun to pack in as much exploring as possible if you plan to do both in the same day. Copper Ridge Dinosaur Tracks Trail, Bone Trail, Willow Springs Dinosaur Track Site, and the Bull Canyon Overlook Dinosaur Track Site are other Moab locations for more Jurassic fun! One Salt Lake City restaurant standout is Caffe Molise. eat at Red Iguana. Then switch gears with a heart racing 4x4 tour of Hells Revenge, or a mountain bike ride on the beloved slickrock trail. 1969 - 2021 OARS Companies Inc. All rights reserved. Next time, I'll opt for one of the less-crowded parks in Southern Utah like Dead Horse Point State Park or Canyonlands National Park, both of which don't require a reservation. A visit to Moab wouldnt be complete without exploring the red rocks up close and personal. 47 minutes Salina. 6 Outdoorsy Weekend Road Trips from Salt Lake City, Utah - Territory Supply If youre on a budget and looking for the cheapest way to get from Salt Lake City to Moab, taking a bus is your best option. Hike the famous. Todays drive through Utahs high desert is around two hours and 45 minutes. I entered Canyonlands National Park and immediately wondered where all the people were. If you fancy a few days in Zion, check out an Airbnb or VRBO in Springdale! Of all the tours available in the Moab area, Hells Revenge is the one you cant miss! For more road trip ideas, explore these articles: Whether she is leaving on a jet plane or exploring the open road, Sandi loves to visit destinations that offer cool and interesting activities, fabulous culinary creations, and fun libations. Tucked in an old courthouse, Utah locals told me that the Jailhouse Cafe is a Moab staple when it comes to breakfast. : Once youre finished with dinner, see if you can catch a film at the Redwood Drive-In movie theater over in West Valley City. From majestic mountains and deep canyons to national parks and charming small towns, this road trip offers something for everyone. At 234 miles, this route takes about 4 hours. I experienced crowdsand had to contend with the hassle of needing a timed reservation to enter the park. The Best Road Trip from Salt Lake City To Moab. The influence of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can be spotted across the entire state, but tucked in Spanish Fork Valley, about an hour south of Salt Lake City, is the Hindu Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple. Salt Lake City to Fifth Water Hot Springs Fifth Water Hot Springs in Utah The first stop on your Salt Lake City to Moab road trip itinerary is Fifth Water Hot Springs. The next time I'm in Midway, I'll still visit, but I'd likely opt to just swim instead of dive, which costs only $18, or I'd splurge for a $75 paddleboard yoga session in the crater. The Ultimate Utah National Parks Road Trip Itinerary From Moab to Salt Lake City, I made more than a dozen pit stops on my road trip. Where is the OBD port on a 1992 Toyota 4Runner? This is a short drive from the airport, and if you have the extra time, it is totally worth it. Throughout the West, you will come upon dinosaur museums in the most unlikely little towns. Bed-down at. Utah Road Trip Itinerary Stop 1: Moab for a few nights Drive time Salt Lake City -> Moab: about 4 hours Stop #1 on your Utah road trip is Moab. 33 minutes Jackson. You can visit the Western Mining and Railroad Museum to learn more about the areas past. As I passed through Spanish Fork, I decided to grab lunch at the temple's vegetarian buffet. Its towering cliffs, hidden side canyons and real-deal rapids are the stuff of river-rat legends. All Rights Reseved. Hiking in Canyonlands National Park requires some pre-planning water, sunscreen, and a trail map are at the top of the list. The beauty of the parks wild landscape viewed from your perch high up on the point is stunning. I plugged in the Dream Mine on Google Maps, which led me to a gated road. Salt Lake City to Moab - 5 ways to travel via train, bus, taxi, car We have been on this trail and had a great time. There are a lot of different places to rent an RV. As many road trippers will start in Salt Lake City, the state's main transportation hub, we'll start there for the purposes of this itinerary. Youll pass by the Provo River, which is a popular spot for fly-fishing, and through the Manti-La Sal National Forest, which is home to some of Utahs most stunning scenery. Start your day off at The Moab Movie Museum, then ride through those same movie backdrops on horseback at Red Cliffs Lodge. While in Iosepa, they maintained their Hawaiian language, culture, and traditions, Insider previously reported. Buy vs Rent a Car: Should I Buy or Rent a Car? In the morning, check out the. I rented a car for five days and traveled 700 miles across the state. We are excited to see this beautiful city.